St. John’s Masonic Lodge is pleased to announce a return to the in-lodge dining option for our spring fundraiser dinner. We hope to see you there.
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Schimming Named District 6 Head Coach of the Year by WWCA
This past week Whitewater High School Wrestling Coach John Schimming was recognized by the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaching Association (WWCA) as District 6 Head Coach of the Year.
Words from Coach Paul Majors:
Coach Schimming has put together a program that emphasizes the total young person. Both young male and female wrestlers join the program because they want to give it a try. We truly believe they stay with the program because Whitewater High School Wrestling is all about developing not just the wrestler in youth but the whole person. Many times over the years, we’ve heard youth talk about how Coach Schimming has been the person in their lives who really went to bat for them and who is the closest thing to a father they’ve ever had. This year we had nearly 50 wrestlers in our program and that is amazing for a district with about 600 students in the high school. As someone who has volunteered in our program for nearly 20 years, I see firsthand some of the vast time and effort he puts into this program to serve youth. And I only see the part which occurs at school. I know there are countless other hours he dedicates to helping these youth succeed. His wife and kids even help with the program as well.
Congratulations to Coach Schimming on a very well-deserved recognition.
Article and Image Submitted by Juan Gomez
Whitewater High School Assistant Wrestling Coach
jgomez@wwusd.org
Obituary: Marcia Marie Kuper Yochum, 78 (Updated)
Marcia Marie Kuper Yochum passed away April 8, 2023, after a year-long struggle with cancer. She was born Dec. 7, 1944, in Omaha, NE, daughter of Herbert Kuper and Marie (Bay) Kuper. After completing high school in Columbus, NE she obtained her nursing degree from Nebraska College of Nursing in Omaha. She held nursing positions and nursing related positions in Omaha and Ogallala, Nebraska, Clinton, Iowa and Fort Atkinson, WI. She married David Yochum on January 29, 1972. She considered her husband of 50+ years as a man of many hats literally and figuratively. She shared, he was often willing to engage in a variety of projects including, lightheartedly, “my quirky personality.”
She was a member of the United Church of Christ, having been past Moderator of the Nebraska Conference. She was a member of P.E.O. Sisterhood, AAUW (American Association of University Women) and the Fontana (Wisconsin) Garden Club. Marcia often said that in her associations, there were many remarkable role models in each group. While husband David was Executive Director of Fairhaven Retirement Community in Whitewater, the Yochum family presented over 15 Christmas programs on Christmas morning for any Fairhaven residents willing to view the serious and not so serious skits. Marcia enjoyed themes, (often whimsical), decorating for various occasions. Marcia said she would like to be remembered as an Appreciater of People and Life. “I am amazed at people’s stories, both sad and glad. Many people have used their happenings to become stronger people.” Over the years Marcia became increasingly more appreciative of God’s Nature and the magic of everyday objects and happenings. Marcia tried to follow her deceased nephew’s philosophy of being more fascinated than fearful of the world. Marcia enjoyed reading, trekking, “splashing at the aquatic center,” traveling and engaging in continuing education events.
Marcia is survived by her husband, David, children: Steven (Sarah) of Chanhassen, MN, their children Simone and Finn. Also, son Jeff (Angie) of Muskego, WI and their twins Winston and Zoey, and infant son Cooper. She is also survived by her sister, Karlyn Carson of Studio City, CA, sister-in-law Lea Kuper of Plattsmouth, NE, niece Leigh Anne (Dave) Koehler of Papillion, NE and their daughter Meredith, niece Michelle Kuper of Pasadena, CA, and brother-in-law Dan (Jan) Yochum of Congress, AZ. Preceded in death were her parents, her brother David Kuper of Council Bluffs, IA and nephew Ryan Kuper of Pasadena, CA.
A Memorial Service for Marcia will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 133 S. Franklin St., Whitewater, WI 53190. Friends may call at the church from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider a memorial to Fairhaven Retirement Community, the Congregational United Church of Christ Church, Whitewater, or to a public/private garden of your choice. If you are attending the service, please wear bright colors as a tribute to the brightness Marcia brought to our lives. Online condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
Creating an Empowered University – Conversations with Dr. Freemann A. Hrabowski III – Wednesday
In collaboration with the Tommy Thompson Center on Public Leadership, UW-Whitewater is honored to welcome Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III, former President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), to campus for a conversation about higher education and how university communities support academic success by cultivating an empowering institutional culture. Dr. Hrabowski is considered one of the nation’s most distinguished leaders in higher education. In 2012 he was selected by President Obama to chair the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. He has been named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People in the World.”
In 2022, Dr. Hrabowski was elected to the National Academy of Engineering and he was also named the inaugural ACE Centennial Fellow, to be served upon his retirement from UMBC. In addition, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) launched the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program ($1.5 billion) to help build a scientific workforce that more fully reflects our increasingly diverse country. In October 2022, he was named the inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture Speaker by Harvard University. The National Academy of Sciences Public Welfare Medal, the Academy’s most prestigious award, will be presented to him on April 30 for his extraordinary use of science for the public good.
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Young Auditorium – UW-Whitewater
Further information about the event is found here. https://www.uww.edu/ce/academiccommunityhrabowski
Live streaming will be available shortly before 3:00 p.m. Use the above link for information. This event will not be recorded.
Registration is not required for in-person attendance, but encouraged, Registrations accepted online until Wednesday, April 12, 2023. See the link above. Your registration ticket placed in your car front window will serve as a free parking pass in lots 1 or 2.
Parking may also be purchased through the Passport Pay by Space app – information is available here.
Visitor parking may also be purchased online or at the kiosk behind the Visitor Information Center. See this link for information.
Financial Fitness Family Night at Whitewater Library April 18
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.
The Irvin L Young Memorial Library is celebrating Money Smart Week by hosting a Financial Fitness Family Night in partnership with PremierBank and budgeting coach, Mariah Sprain. This free event is Tuesday, April 18 at 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Activities include a special story time, activities, and games that promote financial literacy for children of all ages. Adults and teens will have the opportunity to learn how budgeting and money management can improve your life and help you gain financial freedom.
Sprain states that “financial literacy is a topic near to my heart, as education around money tends to be lacking. Many people believe that living paycheck to paycheck, or accumulating debt, is what is expected. However, the more you learn about financial literacy and money management, the more you realize that money is a tool that can help you achieve your goals. Finance is a passion of mine, and with this knowledge, I am dedicated to helping those around me understand and embrace their finances.”
The event will be held in the Irvin L Young Memorial Library’s Community Room located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. There is no cost or registration and the public is invited to attend.
Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782.
Whitewater Nutrition to Host Prom Fundraiser April 10 – 28
Whitewater Nutrition will be hosting a Prom Fundraiser for Whitewater High School from April 10 – April 28th. Purchase “Whippet Tea,” and a portion will be donated to the Prom Committee!
Obituary: Thelma Mae Robbins (Seagren), 83
Thelma Mae Robbins, (Seagren), 83, Whitewater, WI, formerly of Elgin, IL, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023.
Thelma was born on May 19, 1939, in Louisville, KY to John William and Edna Lee (Pendleton) Robbins. Family was very important to Thelma. She raised her four children, and she was like a mother to her nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her children: Jeff, Darby, JoDee and Doug; many grandchildren; nieces and nephews: Steve Lose, Cindy Lose, and Becky Wafford.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Patricia Robbins Lose; nephew Rick Lose.
A private burial will be in the Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin, IL. Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater is assisting the family.
UW-W Music Dept. Invites Community to Attend Spring Events
The College of Arts and Communication at UW-Whitewater announces events for the remainder of the Spring semester. These include Jazz II Spring Concert on April 11, Jazz Combos and Improvisers Orchestra Spring Concert on April 13, Music Mosaics: Whitewater Brass Quintet on April 18, Jazz I Spring Concert on April 21, Opera Workshop on April 22, UW-Whitewater Choirs – Hawk-kor, Harmonia, and Concert Choir on April 23, University / Community Band in Young Auditorium on April 24, Whitewater Symphony Orchestra in Young Auditorium on April 30, and Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz in Light Recital Hall on April 30. To finish off the Spring Semester, Sonic Ensemble: Student Composers plays on May 2 and Symphonic Wind Ensemble takes the stage on May 7. All music events are in the Light Recital Hall in the Greenhill Center of the Arts located at 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, unless specified otherwise. Tickets are available in advance and can be purchased in person, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling 262-472-2222. There is a $2.00 surcharge if purchased at the door at the time of the event.
Presenting music old and new from the jazz greats to student compositions, the Jazz II Spring Concert on Tuesday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m., the Jazz Combos and Improvisers Orchestra Spring Concert on Thursday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m., and the Jazz I Spring Concert on Friday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. have something for every jazz enthusiast. The UW-Whitewater jazz ensembles perform in both large and small groups in a wide variety of musical styles ranging from swing to funk, to freely improvised music. Admission for these events is $10 for adults and $8 for those age 65+ or under age 18.
The final concert in the Music Mosaics series takes place on Tuesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. and features the Whitewater Brass Quintet. Faculty performers Matthew Onstad & Chris Ramaekers, trumpet, Dafydd Bevil, horn, Mike Dugan, trombone, and John Tuinstra, tuba present Dr. Cole Bartels on trombone and euphonium and guest tubist Josh Biere of the Madison Symphony Orchestra. The evening includes a mixture of quintet and sextet pieces. Music Mosaics concerts raise funds for music scholarships. Admission for this event is $14 for adults and $12 for those age 65+ and $8 for those under age 18.
Saturday, April 22 brings excerpts from Opera works performed by Opera Workshop at 7:30 p.m. followed by a variety of classical, Broadway, and world music selections performed by Harmonia, Hawk-kor, and Concert Choir on Sunday, April 23 at 3 p.m. Admission for these events is $10 for adults and $8 for those age 65+ or under age 18.
Performing in Young Auditorium, the all-inclusive University/Community Band takes the stage on Monday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. Admission for this event is $10 for adults and $8 for those age 65+ or under age 18.
Also in Young Auditorium, the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra performs on Sunday, April 30 at 3 p.m. Later that evening in Light Recital Hall, the Chamber Singers and Vocal Jazz ensembles conducted by Robert Gehrenbeck, Sharri VanAlstine, and student conductors begin their performance at 7:30 p.m. Admission for these events is $10 for adults and $8 for those age 65+ or under age 18.
UW-Whitewater alumni join current student composers for the Sonict Ensemble event at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2 and finally, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 7, Symphonic Wind Ensemble closes out the semester with a performance in Light Recital Hall. Admission for these events is $10 for adults and $8 for those age 65+ or under age 18.
Don’t miss the many featured music concerts happening throughout April and May in the Greenhill Center of the Arts and Young Auditorium.
- Tuesday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. Jazz II Spring Concert
- Thursday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. Jazz Combos and Improvisers Orchestra Spring Concert
- Tuesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. Music Mosaics: Whitewater Brass Quintet
- Friday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. Jazz I Spring Concert
- Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. Opera Workshop
- Sunday, April 23 at 3 p.m. UW-Whitewater Choirs – Hawk-kor, Harmonia, Concert Choir
- Monday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. University / Community Band in Young Auditorium
- Sunday, April 30 at 3 p.m. Whitewater Symphony Orchestra in Young Auditorium
- Sunday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. Chamber Singers & Vocal Jazz
- Tuesday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. Sonict Ensemble: Student Composers
- Sunday, May 7 at 3 p.m. Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Beyond the many featured and ticketed events in the Department of Music, there are a multitude of free events including student recitals, ensembles, and studios. For a full lineup of events, please visit uww.edu/coac/events.
All music events are in the Light Recital Hall in the Greenhill Center of the Arts, located at 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, unless specified otherwise. Tickets are available in advance and can be purchased in person, online at tickets.uww.edu or by calling 262-472-2222. There is a $2.00 surcharge if purchased at the door at the time of the event.
Ticket Services is open Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are located in the atrium of the Greenhill Center of the Arts, 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. The Young Auditorium is located at 930 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. To see other upcoming events in Young Auditorium, visit youngauditorium.com.
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The College of Arts and Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers rigorous programs in music, theatre, dance, and the visual arts, internships, pre-professional opportunities in journalism, advertising, and applied communication, and innovative interdisciplinary studies. For more information visit uww.edu/coac.
Greater Whitewater Committee Hosting UW-W Chancellor Corey King as Guest Speaker
The Greater Whitewater Committee (GWC) is set to host Chancellor Corey King as guest speaker at its upcoming monthly meeting in April. Chancellor King will be introducing himself in his new position as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UW-W). Most recently Dr. King had served as Vice Chancellor for Inclusivity and Student Affairs at UW-Green Bay.
The GWC’s upcoming monthly meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 13th at 7 a.m. at 841 Brewhouse: 841 E Milwaukee St, Whitewater. The public is welcome to attend this meeting, so that they may get a chance to hear from Whitewater’s new chancellor and learn more about the future of the University. If interested in attending, RSVP is required. To reserve your spot, contact Jeff Knight at jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com or 920.728.0662 by Monday, April 10th.
“We are excited to hear from Chancellor King at our upcoming meeting,” said GWC president Jeff Knight. “He will be sharing his thoughts on the direction that the University is heading.”
Chancellor King has previously served as Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Financial Services at Bethune-Cookman University prior to his role at UW-Green Bay. King has also held leadership positions at East Carolina University, Wheeling Jesuit University, and the University of Florida. He hopes to offer a bright future for UW-Whitewater by guiding academic success and maintaining a commitment to students.
Chancellor King earned his Bachelor’s degree in curriculum and instruction and Master’s degree in higher education and administration & student affairs from Florida State University. He also earned a doctorate in educational administration and leadership from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
About the GWC
The GWC is an action-oriented group committed to working with citizens, elected officials, and policy makers to identify, craft, and implement a pro-business agenda. Its goals are to advance the economic, educational, and social policies required to energize and secure the Whitewater area’s economic future, as well as protect Whitewater’s quality of life.
Editor’s note: The above news release was received from the Greater Whitewater Committee.
Gov. Evers Appoints Don Vruwink to Commissioner of Railroads
Gov. Tony Evers on April 7 announced his appointment of former State Rep. Don Vruwink to Commissioner of Railroads. The appointment fills a vacancy created by Commissioner of Railroads Yash Wadhwa’s resignation, effective March 1, 2023.
“From his more than three decades as an educator to his time serving the people of Wisconsin at both the local and state level on his community’s city council and school board and in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Don has for years been a consistent and dedicated public servant in our state,” said Gov. Evers. “His professional experience will serve him well in this new role, and we are glad to have him join our administration.”
Vruwink has a long history of public service. He served as a Wisconsin educator and mentor for 37 years before his retirement. He served on both the Milton City Council and School Board before being elected to the State Assembly in 2016, where he served the 43rd Assembly District for six years. While in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Vruwink served on the Assembly’s Education, Agriculture, Tourism, and Rural Development Committees, respectively, and was appointed by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to the Wisconsin Dairy Task Force 2.0.
“I am honored that Gov. Evers has called on me to lead the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads,” said Vruwink, “I look forward to using my experience to increase the safety of Wisconsin railroads.”
Vruwink has a master’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Whitewater and a bachelor’s in social studies from UW-Stevens Point. He has received awards for teaching, athletics, coaching, and community service.
This appointment was effective March 20, 2023, for a six-year term expiring in 2029.